Victorian, British Pattern 1827 Rifle Brigade Officer\'s Parade Sword With Etched Blade By Christie & Son Edinburgh & Scabbard. Sn 22441:23 Sword

Victorian, British Pattern 1827 Rifle Brigade Officer's Parade Sword With Etched Blade By Christie & Son Edinburgh & Scabbard. Sn 22441:23 - 22441:23

The Volunteer movement had its origins in the eighteenth century. Service in the Militia was compulsory at that time for those selected by ballot and who were not wealthy enough to hire a substitute. But specific threats, such as Jacobite risings or the threat of French invasion, induced men to volunteer for home defence. A series of Militia Acts, notably in 1761, 1768 and 1802, had the effect of transforming the Militia from a home defence force into a reserve for the Regular Army, and its former function was increasingly filled by the Volunteers. During the Napoleonic Wars 1793-1815, the risk of invasion by Revolutionary France persuaded the government to authorise the formation of volunteer units that would be subject to military discipline and eligible for pay when called out. Numerous Volunteer units were formed around the country. British Volunteer strength peaked in 1803 at a remarkable total of some 440,000, but with the defeat of Napoleon they were all disbanded. In 1859 after another threat of Invasion Volunteer rifle units throughout Britain were reinstated. The 1827 pattern is defined by gothic bar guard hilt coupled with the usual Royal Cypher with strung bugle cartouche badge of the Rifle Brigade (see page 174 of World Swords by Withers). This is an original 1827 Pattern Rifle Brigade Officer’s Parade Sword. The sword has a clean 32 ½” blade (38 ¾” overall) with fullers and original leather hilt washer. The blade has etched panels including the slung bugle of the Rifle Brigade Queen’s crown and ‘VR’ Royal Cypher (Victoria Regina) together with foliate panels. The blade also has ordnance proof star and is signed by the maker or retailer Christie & Son Edinburgh. It has a steel gothic bar knuckle guard with the Rifle Brigade 'Queen’s Crown with slung bugle' badge and curved stepped pommel. The fish skin grip is very good, the grip’s copper wire binding is all present and tight. It is complete with its steel parade scabbard with 2 hanging rings and shoe. The scabbard has areas of staining consistent with age but no dents. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 22441:23

£495.00